My Special Dress

Main

I cannot believe that another Christmas season is again in full swing. Before I even know it, I am going to be putting makeup making myself ready for the New Year’s party. Oh, how much I adore this particular time of year! Even though the weather outside might not be as great as it is during summer months, I just love this time of year probably even more than I love summers.

It is one of my rules to buy at least one elegant dress per year. I sometimes like to be several evening dresses per year if I feel like it. Even though I already bought two evening attires during the last 12 months, something tells me that I am going to try to get my hands on another one. After all, I can never have too many evening dresses in my wardrobe. My bedroom, the room where I store all my clothes, is large enough to allow me to accommodate one more dress if I feel like it. There’s plenty of space there allowing me to fit anything I want. I am glad that this is the case and that I don’t have to worry about space ever since I moved into this property. I still remember living in a very small flat several years ago when I was rather limited when it comes to the number of evening dresses I was allowed to have. How happy I am that this day is already gone!

I will let you on a little secret of mine: I still haven’t made up my mind what type of color I will want to wear for this year’s New Year party. I am thinking about the color red, but maybe pink or orange is going to be an option as well. Last year I wore a fabulous green dress I really liked. The reason I chose not to wear it this year is that I rarely wear the same dress two times in a row.

The Journey to Financial Freedom

Money & Shopping

The Sad Truth

Have you experienced being empty-handed even just once in your life? Or are you sick and tired of always wanting and lacking? Do you always worry about the next meal or the due date of your bills or the payment of your monthly mortgage? You are already at your ebb and sometimes even clueless on what to do next. You fervently ask yourself and even the high heavens, “When will this ever end?”

Being in a financial turmoil can really be stressful – having to worry how to let ends meet and get by until the next payday. Providing for your own is one thing but feeding an entire family is entirely a different matter. The responsibility is multiplied over and over. Many people resort to different ways and means just to carry on. Some take additional jobs even though it does not pay much as long as it gives extra income. Others even resort to any possible way in order to get quick cash. A lot of people apply quick fixes or use Band-Aid approaches just to provide for their needs.

Most often than not, reality bites – this is a sad truth. Many people are just surviving paycheck after paycheck, without any extra and more so, any savings. They have become masters and experts on how to stretch their budget until the next payday. They are the people who are in debt and continue to be drowned by more debts as time goes by. These are the people who are left with no other option but just to borrow money month after month after month. They have taken advantage almost every loan available just to survive.

Band-Aid Solution
One of the most common quick fixes that they get hold of is the payday loan. Payday loans are just short-term loans; it has to be normally paid within a month. The main purpose of this loan is to fill the temporary financial gap for that particular time. In essence, it just really a Band-Aid. This is not ideal if you cannot pay it within one month because it be more damaging for you in the long run. Its high interest rate will definitely pull you down.

Payday Loan’s Primary Goal
Payday loans are good to some extent as long as the borrower is sure that he can pay the debt quickly. That’s why it is very important to check and review your financial standing as well as your capability to pay before taking advantage of payday loans. Only in this, will you enjoy its benefits and not be a long-term burden for you. This type of loan is also not advisable for people who are already in debt.

Other Options
Once that you have determined that you are financially incapable of paying a short term loan then you have to look for more suitable options to address your financial needs. There are other alternatives such as using the credit card or arrange for an overdraft facility with your bank or get hold of other short-term loan from your local credit union.

The Future is Always Bright 
Yes, times are tough and the economy is very volatile, there are months that we need quick fixes in order to survive but always remember to always be wise and discerning not to use Band-Aid solutions to resolve a long-term problem. We must be able to find long-term means to be financially stable in order to end the grim cycle of borrowing. Certainly, there is always a way out to any problem, you just have to be careful not to fall into the traps of easy solutions. Apply wisdom and practice caution all the time – this will surely help you rise above your financial crisis.

How to Care for Handmade Leather Jewellery

Main

Handmade jewellery has become one of the biggest fashions statement and these items are popular gift as well. This is truly a unique gift to give to someone and somehow, this says a lot about the character of the person that it is given to. You will never go wrong by giving a piece made out of Lianne Landman collection. A variety of styles are available, each with their own flair and personality.

Owing handmade jewellery is quite different to as to precious stones or metals. If you want it to last for many years, you’ll need to look after it. Here is some tips when caring for leather:

Cleaning

When cleaning a leather jewellery piece, choose a cleanser that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of removing them. Before applying anything to your jewellery, be certain to test it out for effect and possible colour distortion on an area that isn’t visible to the eye.

If no damage has been done clean your leather then, with a slightly dampened cloth, remove the cleaning product. Leather may be wetted occasionally but not too often as it may lead to water damage. Only use water when you need to

Conditioning

Only for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate the leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibres, but beware of any that include petroleum or mineral oils.  Petroleum by-products will damage your leather accessories over time.

Protection

Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness and cracking will occur if leather isn’t protected beforehand. There is a drawback in protecting leather with a moisture barrier product. They tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it’s a necessary process to ensure your leather jewellery isn’t destroyed. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before wearing

Removing Mildew

To remove mildew, create a mixture of 1 cup rubbing alcohol (from the local chemist) per 1 cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

Storage

Storage is also important.  If you are not wearing you piece it is recommended that the item be placed back into the suede pouch that you received with your purchase.

Lianne Landman is a popular South African jewelry designer and she has an outstanding reputation for making high quality handcrafted jewelry for customers all over the world. 

Tumi Luggage: Perfect for Your Next Weekend Getaway

Main

Most people love a little trip out of town, to get away from the hustle and bustle of stressors and the daily grind. However, your little respite should not have to include wrestling with your luggage or stuffing your bags so full they literally start bursting at the seams (not great for checking in your baggage at the airport). Yes, traveling is a wonderful experience, but what is not so great is having your luggage either too oversized for the airline’s luggage restrictions or impossible to wield through the busy airport due to faulty roller wheels or handle bars that refuse to cooperate. In such cases, perhaps looking into a brand like Tumi luggage would be well worth your time, money and efforts and reduce anxiety that often accompanies your race across the airport to catch your connecting flight. After all, you’ve only got a few minutes to board, so you don’t want to spend that precious time messing with your bags.

Tumi Luggage is world-renowned as one of the finest and refined pieces of luggage you can buy, sort of the Cadillac of suitcases. Yes, they might cost a little more than your Samsonite, but what you are purchasing is far more than a label; you are buying a product that is guaranteed for its quality and integrity. Most globetrotters will eventually discover luggage that wears well over time and travel, which is especially important in today’s often over-booked and busy flight schedules.

An interesting side note, the founder of Tumi Luggage decided upon its unique moniker from a Peruvian god he had learned about from his days working at the Peace Corps in South America. A ‘tumi’ is a ceremonial axe used during a festival celebrated to honor the sun by ancient Incans in which a priest would use the tumi to sacrifice a black or white llama. Of course, in more modern times, the name ‘Tumi’ has been associated with both quality and durable luggage, two essential ingredients for the world traveler.

Come and visit our blog at http://SpecialtyLuggage.com/blog.aspx

You can find me on Twitter via @TravelWithJesse

3 Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Holiday Shopping This Year

Main

Have you started your holiday shopping? Chances are you’ve probably heard this question more than once in the past month. If you haven’t started yet, the good news is that the last two weeks before Christmas are when most retailers are offering deep discounts on popular products. The bad news is you’ll have lots of company in the stores! If you’re looking for other ways to cut costs on holiday gifts this season, there are a few creative ways to do it. Here are three tips for saving money during the busiest shopping time of the year.

Wait until just before Christmas to shop
The thought of visiting your local mall on the weekend before Christmas may be mildly terrifying if you don’t enjoy crowds. It goes without saying that you should expect the stores to be busy. However, as the holiday draws closer, retailers are interested in clearing their shelves of toys, electronics, and popular gift items to make way for next year’s stock. This means plenty of bargains for last minute shoppers. This strategy can help you save considerable money on holiday gifts for your family, but it’s important to remember that shopping the weekend prior to Christmas is certainly not for the faint of heart! Make sure you prepare yourself for long lines and large crowds.

Consider specialty shopping
Specialty shopping is often a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing items in a traditional store. To get the best bang for your buck just in time for Christmas, consider exploring the following avenues for your shopping needs: auction sites and wholesale stores. Many sellers on auction sites are offering brand new or gently used items at discounted rates. Popular sites such as Ebay and QuiBids offer everything from kids clothing to the latest tablet devices at cheaper rates than what you might find in a traditional store. Another option is shopping at a wholesale ecommerce site. Some wholesalers may require you to buy items in bulk, but they may offer up to 90% off the purchase price on certain products. Shopping wholesale is a great way to pick up stocking stuffers for the entire family at low prices!

Clip those coupons
Clipping coupons may not be the most creative way to save money on your holiday shopping, but this tried and true method is highly effective. If you’re interested in cutting costs, sign up for store email lists, purchase the Sunday newspaper and cut out coupons, and seek out coupon sites online that provide special percentage off codes and exclusive access to store deals. You can buy just about any gift you would need online, and save money by using something like a HSN discount code. A little due diligence can help you save big, especially when you’re hunting for specific items.

As an alternative, there are also a number of mobile applications available that offer special promotions to loyal shoppers. If you know you’re going to do most of your shopping in one place this year, it may be worth exploring your options for mobile discounts and loyalty programs. These programs can help you save money on gift items as well as things you’d purchase regularly.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to make a huge dent in your budget at the end of the year. There are several strategies for getting the best deals. Sometimes it’s all about timing. Waiting until the last minute often pays off. You can also explore non-traditional stores to do some comparison shopping or save up your coupons for deep discounts on popular gift items. Happy shopping!

Author Bio: Mark Miller is a writer and bargain shopper. He enjoys finding the best discounts on everything from holiday gifts to daily items. This year he’ll be purchasing all his stocking stuffers at Miami Wholesale Sunglasses.

Researching Used Cars and Their Histories

Main

One of the used cars in Kansas City might just be what you need to get you to and from work every day. Pre-owned car lots usually have quite a variety of vehicles to choose from. The advantage to buying a pre-owned vehicle is that they don’t come with the big sticker price and they usually have most of the bugs worked out of them. There are websites that you can access to check the vehicle identification number of any car to look at its history. On these websites, you can also compare cars, look at reviews on the car you are considering, and access any road testing that has been done on them.

Vehicle Histories

When you look at the history of a vehicle, depending on the site you are looking at, you will find information that has been gathered from state vehicle registration agencies. You will be able to see all the previous owners, accident information if the vehicle was ever in a reported accident, mileage verification, any recalls on that particular vehicle, and if the vehicle was ever declared a lemon. Some agencies include records from service departments. When a vehicle goes in for a smog check, the mileage is recorded. Looking back on the mileage history, if there is a drastic difference between the mileages that was recorded during the smog checks, the odometer may have been tampered with.
Narrowing Your Search

You can narrow your search on the website by first clicking on the vehicle history you are interested in. Then you can browse by the year or by the feature that you need to have on your vehicle. When you browse by year, you will be taken to a window that lets you select the year, then the make, followed by the type and the features. Once you click on the specific items you want to look at, the vehicles that are included in that particular website will come up and you can click on the one you are interested in to look at its history. Once you have done all the research you need to, you will be able to go with confidence to buy one of the used cars in Kansas City. and you can drive to work with a smile.

This was a guest post.

Choose What You Want Your Vehicle to Say about You

Main

When it comes to owning the best vehicle for you, you have to know what it is that you want to give to the world. By deciding how a vehicle can support your worldview, you can make sure that you get a car that you can enjoy, believe in, and show off to friends. Maybe you have never thought about your purchases and how they express what you want from this world, but that is how capitalism works. Each dollar you spend votes for things like what you spend it on. With a purchase as large as a car, this is doubly so. There are many websites like www.nicholsdodge.com where you can research the types of vehicles available, but only you can decide what you want your vehicle to say.

Work Considerations

If you are going to use your vehicle for actual work, then you need to know what kind of work it is that you are doing. You might need a huge truck, or a van, or a hatchback. It just depends on whether you need it to haul things that can get wet or not; it also depends if you are just driving to places where the actual work will be done.

Other Considerations

If your car is just for getting from point A to point B, you will want to consider where you are going. If you work with a group of environmentalists, pulling up in a Hummer is a terrible idea unless you have converted it to biofuel or electric. If you are going to a meeting with a group of high finance types, your fuel economy car could be good if they respect frugalness. It might be bad if they respect lavish displays of corporate wealth and conquered capitalism.

Whatever vehicle you end up choosing, you should do some research on it. There are many websites like www.nicholsdodge.com that can help you decide which vehicle is the right one for you. You will just need to keep in mind that your decision will affect how people see you as well as how you see yourself.

This was a guest post.

Avoid These Mistakes When Buying A Commercial Office Furniture

Main

Firms rarely purchase office furniture. They tend to buy only when a new employee arrives or when the old ones are not functional anymore. For big companies, buying commercial office furniture needs planning and detailed attention too! At this article, instead of giving you buying tips, I would like to present you with the buying don’ts — the various mistakes that you might commit when you are looking for commercial office furniture. Here they are:

Not allotting enough time for shopping and comparison.

Buying furniture is not like buying a bag or a shoe. This purchase may take up more time than the usual. In fact, most furniture companies would require a minimum of 8 weeks for their minimum time schedule. You can choose from pre-owned, in-stock or quick ship. Regardless of this, contract furniture may require a maximum of six weeks from the time order. After that, a minimum of two weeks should be allotted for the review of the styles. You will need a month or so if you wish to explore your options with regards to colors, styles and sizes.

Not prioritizing the comfort and convenience of employees.

These days, working in an office the whole day can e risky and tiring for the employee. Because of this, It is the responsibility of the company owners to provide their employees an ergonomic furniture. There are some types of furniture that you can choose to help in reducing the stress and various work distractions.

Not making office furniture as valuable as it really is.

A lot of company owners do not place too much importance on choosing the right furniture for their office. This is because they think that office furniture is just a simple commodity. What most company owners do not understand is the fact that choosing the best office layout as well as furniture can have a great impact on the productivity and performance of their employees.

Relying on a committee to design.

There is nothing wrong in seeking advice from various committees of a company. However, it is best that you also take the advice of design professionals into consideration. The final decision should come from one of the senior partners or the president of the company. In collaboration with the manager or one officer, they can decide based on the price, functionality, lead time, aesthetics as well as options.

Thinking value is similar with the price.

Most people think that the higher the price, the more valuable it is and vice versa. This is a common misconception that needs to be busted. Do not opt for furniture just because it is pricey. Keep in mind that you need to consider the function and features that it has. That is what value is all about. Avoid these mistakes and you will surely find the best office furniture that would suit your employees’ needs.

Do It Yourself Christmas

Main

Christmas is this special time of year when I usually spend more time in the kitchen. I don’t mind it since cooking and baking is and will definitely be one of my hobbies like forever. I have a few other hobbies such as video games and fashion for example, but baking and cooking definitely make the top of the list. I haven’t started any Christmas baking yet, but it is going to change soon as I am planning to have DIY Christmas this year.

It never ceases to amaze me how many things you can actually do yourself instead of just buying them in a store. For example, look at the picture included in this post. I can guarantee you that you aren’t going to find anything quite like it in any store. The reason? You can only do such cakes yourself and that’s the beauty of it. You get to be creative, you sit down in your kitchen and you start devising some of the most original cakes the world has ever seen. Just look at those santas, and you should know precisely what I am talking about here.

Do-it-yourself cakes are great to make with kids. My daughter Emmy just loves to bake. She usually takes a piece of dough in her little hand and then transforms it into funny shapes. She gets very dirty as well, but I allow her to create little mess every time we bake. I don’t mind it as long as after the baking session everything returns back to normal again.

A Shopaholics Addiction With Designer Handbags

Main

How many handbags does a woman actually need? Most women buy a new handbag every season. Shopping for handbags has become an addiction for women. Is it worthwhile to spend so much of time, effort and money on the designer handbags?

Some women are compulsive shoppers. The medical term for compulsive shopping is called oniomania. It is term used to describe someone who shops in response to depression, anxiety, anger low self-esteem and sometimes even loneliness. Shopping can become an addiction for many women.

As shopping is becoming an international pastime, the number of compulsive shoppers are increasing every day. According to the Stanford University, almost ninety per cent of oniomania victims are women. Men react differently to low serotonin levels, whereas women turn to compulsive shopping or binge eating.

Boredom is the most common reasons for compulsive shopping. Shopping can give a sense of excitement which may be absent in a person’s life. Many women also shop with family and friends, in such scenarios, there is a lot of pressure to impress and to buy. The cycle of fashion consumption continues as everyone tries to keep up with the latest brands.

Many women have severe body image issues. Woman who feel bad about their bodies, tend to shop on impulse in the hope of finding something magical that will make them feel sexy. Generally, women shop for a feeling rather than for any actual item. Fortunately the handbag is one such item that provides any woman with a deep sense of gratification and delight. Today, women are willing to spend much more on a handbag than a car or even a holiday. Women consider them to be worth much more than just a carrier of their belongings. They believe that handbags are something quite intimate and are integral to their existence. The handbag design house set the trend for each season’s handbags and the prices can be outrageous.

 

Fortunately for the ones with slightly less cash there are always economically priced alternatives available. The wholesale handbags that are now widely available are of good quality and their rates are very reasonable at Purse-Obsession.com. One can easily avail large discounts on most deals.

About the Author:

Dr. Tara J. Dixal is a creative writer and loves writing about fashion, history and lifestyle. She has a purse obsession and is currently writing a book on the origin on ‘purse and handbags’.